Wednesday, January 27, 2010

With a little thought and preparation, your Superbowl Sunday can be both fun and relaxing, even on a budget.

Try this EASY but hearty and tasty soup. The recipe requires:

4 leeks (big green onions)

4 russet potatoes

1 package of cream cheese (8 oz)

1/2 cup milk

olive oil, salt and pepper, 5 cups water

I love this recipe because potatoes are one of the most inexpensive items in the produce department these days. Leeks might be hard to find or slightly expensive-- in that case, just go for a yellow or white onion, minced.

Instructions with beautiful photos are here. The garnish (chopped chives) is optional. So, if making the Creamy Blue Cheese Dip as a side, buy 2 boxes (12 oz) of cream cheese.

I recommend using this cream cheese to take this soup up a notch to 5 star hotel restaurant quality.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

From the kitchen of celebrity chef, Emeril LaGasse here's an EASY and equally pleasing dip that secretly sneaks in the veggies. Made to go with Emeril's Spiked Up Chicken Wings, this dip would certainly do well with a nice layout spread of freshly cut red yellow or green peppers, mushrooms, broccoli or cauliflower flowerets, jicama, carrot sticks or the traditional celery sticks.

8 oz blue cheese, at room temperature

4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice

Three ingredients, that's it! Pulse together in a food processor, or, combine in a blender. Spoon into a serving bowl. (Note: blue cheese has a piquancy you and your guests may not be used to... start with 4 oz of blue cheese, taste, and then decide if you want to add more zing go for it!)

Going for something a little more upscale, try aFourme d'Ambert or Bleu d'Auvergne. These can be delivered to your door within a few days. Also, don't skimp on the cream cheese. I once tried to save money buying the generic brand for a cheesecake... not a good decision. Go for the name brand or even better, try this.

Everything can be prepared a day ahead. Come home from church and everything's already set to go. Add some tortilla chips, a potato soup (next post) and there you have a nourishing and satisfying meal.

For beverages, beer of course, or sparkling apple cider (who says you only drink that at Christmas and New Year's!).

Thursday, January 21, 2010

"It's all about balance and contrast, he said. A delicate wine needs a mellower cheese, but a bold wine and a fine cheddar can go head to head," according to Steve Wassick of The Cheese Shop who will be joining celebrity chefs and fellow fromagieres this weekend for the 19th Annual Boston Wine Expo.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Isn't it wonderful that in the United States we have the luxury of celebrating the joys and freedom of food, something so basic yet, so important to human existence. I chuckled when I saw the list of national holidays (yes, national) for everything from blueberry pancakes to corn chips (no, I'm not lying).

At the same time, I swallow hard thinking about the hundreds of thousands of people effected by the earthquake in Haiti just a week ago. Just moving back to the States from a developing nation only six months ago, the stark contrast of wealth and freedom here is blinding.

So today, I'm thankful... thankful for cheese (hallelujah!) but also thankful for life itself, for freedom I have to go to the store and buy cheese... for technology that I can read about cheese on the internet, for the life we share together in this one expanse-of-space-and-time called now. Praise cheeses!!

Let's make the most of National Cheese Day-- eat some cheese and enjoy it! But also say a prayer for those in need, and shine on, you crazy diamond with the generosity Americans are so well known for.

Isn't it wonderful that in the United States we have the luxury of celebrating the joys and freedom of food, something so basic yet, so important to human existence. I chuckled when I saw the list of national holidays (yes, national) for everything from blueberry pancakes to corn chips (no, I'm not lying).

At the same time, I swallow hard thinking about the hundreds of thousands of people effected by the earthquake in Haiti just a week ago. Just moving back to the States from a developing nation only six months ago, the stark contrast of wealth and freedom here is blinding.

So today, I'm thankful... thankful for cheese (hallelujah!) but also thankful for life itself, for freedom I have to go to the store and buy cheese... for technology that I can read about cheese on the internet, for the life we share together in this one expanse-of-space-and-time called now. Praise cheeses!!

Let's make the most of National Cheese Day-- eat some cheese and enjoy it! But also say a prayer for those in need, and shine on, you crazy diamond with the generosity Americans are so well known for.

Monday, January 18, 2010

An ounce of cheese, with some crackers or a nice slice of whole grain bread, and any fruit fresh or dried, makes a satisfying, power-punching, staving-off-starvation snack. High in calcium and protein, cheese makes a smart choice to your weekly shopping list.

Cheese is affordable, accessible, natural, nutritious and noshable.

If you consider the cost of other snacks you would be consuming: scones, muffins, energy bars, smoothies, granola bars, bagels, the price you would spend on an ounce of a high quality cheese is more than comparable yet, without all the additives, preservatives and sugar. Add a serving size of crackers or a slice of good quality bread, with an apple or fruit of your choice and ta-da, you have nurtured yourself in way that can only make you happier and more effective.

Though cheese is rather weighty in fat content, in moderation, like milk, can probably help you to actually lose weight. (This is my personal opinion.)

Go for the good quality, minimalist cheese varieties-- Gouda, Cheddar, Edam, Emmental. There are literally hundreds of varieties of cheese and many available now at your local supermarket, health food or speciality store... but even more exciting is that the really good stuff (from all parts of the globe) is just as easily accessible online! Amazon.com has many of the world's best offerings just a few clicks away.

High quality cheese comes from the milk of cows that have a lush environment and are well-nourished. Like happy cows, eating cheese on a regular basis can make happy humans perform at their highest level as well.

Cheese, ladies and gentlemen: cheese.
Beloved foodstuff of Wallace and Gromit, primary geological building block of the moon, and cause of a surprising number of international disputes. And frequently, the main ingredient in my lunchtime sandwiches.-- Giles Turnball, freelance writer for the BBC

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To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.
-- Anthony Bourdain, chef and television host for The Travel Channel